The fantasy sports provider turned sports betting operator, DraftKings, has secured entry into Michigan’s sports betting market.
DraftKings has partnered with the Bay Mills Resort & Casino to bring land-based, mobile and online sports betting to the state of Michigan.
The Bay Mills Resort & Casino is operated by the Bay Mills Indian Community, a recognized tribal organisation.
This news comes as the state’s sports betting regulator began the process of accepting online gambling supplier license applications last month.
What’s covered in the deal?
Under the deal, DraftKings will be able to offer online, mobile, and land-based sports betting in Michigan. DraftKings will open a DraftKings-branded land-based sportsbook at the Bay Mills Casino in Brimley, Michigan.
The portion of the deal that covers the land-based sportsbook will subject to the adoption of the relevant regulations and both parties receiving the necessary licenses and regulatory approvals.
DraftKings chief business officer Ezra Kucharz said: “Through a commitment to provide customers with a premier sports betting experience, DraftKings is happy to partner with Bay Mills Resort & Casino.
“The Great Lakes State presents a number of gaming opportunities and we look forward to collaborating with Bay Mills to provide residents with the best-in-class experience DraftKings is known for.”
Bryan Newland, the tribal chairman for the Bay Mills Indian Community, added: “Expanding on what entertainment options we can offer at Michigan’s longest operating gaming facility is always our goal. Our new on-site DraftKings sportsbook will be one more great reason for Michiganders to vacation with us in the Upper Peninsula.”
Sports betting in Michigan
On 20 December 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 916 into law, creating the Lawful Sports Betting Act. Under this law, commercial and tribal casinos can offer land-based and online sports betting in Michigan.
Governor Whitmer also signed HB 4308 into law, legalizing fantasy sports contests in the state of Michigan.
HB 4311 was also signed into law, creating the Lawful Internet Gaming Act. Under this law, mobile and online casino gambling is now legal in the state of Michigan. Under the law, the MGCB was granted the power to issue licenses for online and mobile casino gambling.
Michigan’s sports wagering market went live on March 11 with the opening of sportsbooks at Penn National Gaming’s Greektown Casino and the MGM Grand Detroit. Online and mobile sports wagering has yet to go live in the state of Michigan.
In the first few days of legal sports betting in Michigan, land-based sportsbook generated a combined revenue of $105,548.
